This, That and the Other Ⅱ

By H. Janet Sacarello, BA, MA

All scripture is from the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible

Regarding the update on my son who suffered a stroke last May, he is improving but not as fast as he would like. However, under the circumstances we are delighted he’s improved as much as he has, thanks to numerous licensed rehabilitation therapists, a speech pathologist, and many prayer warriors. I also do rehab at home on his off days, and he can now do chores at home. He still has a long way to go, but the journey is progressing. There are ups and downs for us and him, but God has given us the health, strength and perseverance to make this journey with him, and for that we’re grateful. When I get stressed or encounter obstacles, I just remember something I read recently in Laughter for A Woman’s Soul, written by Barbara Johnson in the “Laughter is Contagious” section, “Dear Lord, please put your arm around my shoulder and your hand over my mouth.”

To continue keeping things on a jovial note, last year I read something in a book (name escapes me) that tickled my fancy. I’m a planner, and like some Christians, occasionally I ask God to answer my prayer my way, which isn’t exactly biblical. In the book, author, actor and director Woody Allen was quoted as rendering an old Yiddish proverb and Jewish folklore, “If you want to make God laugh, tell him about your plans.” Didn’t get it? I didn’t either at first, but think about it, you will.

On a political note, am I the only one that thinks the media is promoting today’s chaos? It’s my opinion that if the media didn’t cover all the protests in the streets they would stop. I think the media is smart enough to know that it’s all about TV and news coverage. There is so much political hullabaloo going on in our nation that watching News Nation stresses me out, but I realize it’s important to keep up with things happening in the world, so I keep watching. I know we’re supposed to embrace freedom of speech, and I belong to the National Federation of Press Women who do just that, religiously. Amendment I to the Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, speech, and the press, and the rights of peaceful assembly and petition. It was ratified on December 15, 1791. However, it’s my opinion that James Madison, who drafted the 1st Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, or Congress, who proposed it on September 25, 1789 as part of the Bill of Rights, never imagined that their words giving “the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances” would in the 21st Century transform into hundreds protesting in the streets, most being anything but peaceful. Plus, I don’t understand people fighting to keep illegal aliens in the United States of America and completely ignoring our country’s laws. My opinion, take it or leave it.

That’s about it for today. In February I will be migrating to a new website, but you will still be able to read my Blog by typing takeitorleaveit.blog, same as before. You should still be able to subscribe to be notified when I post a new “My Opinion, Take It or Leave It” blog.

Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:1-2 KJV – “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.